Wait—you can actually charge for that?

Hosting a murder mystery event for profit sounds like a dream gig. You get to play detective, wear a fabulous costume, and make money doing it. But before you start selling $50 tickets to your “Whodunit Dinner,” you’ve got to understand what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to stay off the wrong side of a copyright notice.

The good news? It’s not complicated once you know the rules. Let’s break down how to host a paid murder mystery event the right way—without getting tangled in legal red tape.

1. Use a Licensed Script (Always)

Rule number one: you can’t charge admission for someone else’s copyrighted story unless you have the legal right to use it. That includes all the “free” scripts floating around Pinterest or random forums.

If you’re collecting money, you need a commercial-use license or permission from the script creator. That’s where ready-made printable kits like The Emerald Expedition come in. When you buy a mystery from a legitimate creator, you’re covered for private, small-group play.

But if you’re selling tickets to the public, check whether your purchase allows that. Some creators—like us at Megan’s Mysteries—offer extended-use options for ticketed or fundraising events.

2. Know when it becomes a “business”

There’s a difference between a game night with friends and a commercial event. If you’re charging money, advertising publicly, or using someone else’s venue, it’s a business.

That means you might need a temporary event permit or a basic business license, depending on your location. Many cities have simple “special event” applications you can file online.

If you plan to host regularly, consider forming an LLC. It separates your personal finances from your event income and keeps you protected if anything goes sideways (like someone tripping over a fake body).

3. Venue rules still apply

Hosting at a restaurant, winery, or community center? You’ll need to clear it with the venue first. Most places already have event insurance, but some will ask you to carry your own if you’re charging for tickets.

Ask the venue these three questions:

• Do I need my own event insurance or permit?
• Are outside hosts allowed to sell tickets?
• Does the venue’s license cover entertainment nights?

If they handle ticket sales, that often makes your life easier—they’re technically the seller.

4. Get creative with your “cover charge”

Here’s a clever trick: bundle everything under one price. Instead of “$25 mystery admission,” call it “$40 Dinner & Mystery Experience.” It feels more natural, keeps things clean with local rules, and just sounds better.

Plus, it lets you split revenue between food and entertainment without raising eyebrows.

5. Give credit where it’s due

Even with permission, you should always credit the creator of the mystery. Keep their logo or name on your materials and event page. It’s not just polite—it also signals professionalism.

If you’re running a themed night like The Grand Gilded Express, showcasing the official design actually helps sell tickets. Guests love knowing it’s part of a real series, not something you scribbled on a napkin.

6. Try a short mystery before going big

Not sure if you’re ready to manage a full evening? Start smaller.
Try a 15-minute lighthearted mystery first—it’s quick, easy, and gets your feet wet without the paperwork panic.

You can grab our free mini mystery (no murder, just laughs) to see exactly how the system works in action.
Click Here

7. Keep taxes and payouts organized

If you’re making money, the IRS wants to know. Even for small hobby income, keep clear records of your ticket sales, venue payments, and expenses.

Use platforms like Square or Eventbrite for transactions—they automatically log everything.
And if you have actors, helpers, or servers, decide up front if their payment is a cut of the proceeds or a flat fee.

8. Protect your story (and your guests)

If you’re writing your own mystery and plan to sell tickets, register the script with the U.S. Copyright Office. It’s cheap and ensures no one copies your work later.

You’ll also want a basic event disclaimer—something simple like “Participants play at their own risk” on your ticket or website. It sounds dramatic, but it’s just standard business practice.

9. Add atmosphere—without breaking the bank

You don’t need to rent a castle to make your event immersive. Props, costumes, and lighting go a long way.

Draw inspiration from themed settings like the jungle adventure of The Emerald Expedition or the Wild West drama of Murder at Copper Gulch.

Guests love being part of a story. The more they feel inside the world, the easier it is to charge premium ticket prices.

10. Think big, but play fair

Paid mystery nights are growing fast—restaurants, wineries, and even libraries are jumping in. You can absolutely join that movement legally.

Just remember:

• Buy or license your script properly.
• Use venues with permission.
• Keep financial records clean.
• Stay transparent with your guests.

And once you’ve mastered your first event, scale up—bigger audiences, themed dinners, even weekend retreats. Just make sure every mystery ends with the right kind of gasp.

Ready to host your own?

You’ve got the vision. We’ve got the scripts. Whether you want a glamorous train ride, a wild west showdown, or a jungle expedition, you can host legally and confidently.

Try our free mini mystery:
Click Here